20th Anglican Synod of Vanuatu begins in Port Vila

[Vanuatu Daily Post] Hundreds of Anglicans from the islands of the New Hebrides Group and New Caledonia, Saturday were reminded of the first Melanesian Anglican leaving Efate for Lifou in New Caledonia where he became the first black priest for this country.

Bishop James Ligo was recounting the part played in diocesan history by George Sarouwia, the country’s first missionary priest.Bishop Ligo had just been welcomed by hundreds of Anglican church members of both the priesthood and laity from all eight regions of the diocese at the start of the Anglican Church’s 20th Vanuatu Synod.

The youth of the regions, who have just held a large gathering, and Mothers’ Union leaders from the islands were present as delegates.“Living and Serving Together for Mission Service” is the theme of the synod and Bishop Ligo said discussions will have much to do with service delivery for national development.